Sydney's "stranglehold" on Australian Open hosting rights is likely to extend until at least '19 as the city "prepares to roll out the red carpet for crowd-puller Jordan Spieth for the third straight year," according to Adam Pengilly of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The 22-year-old world No. 2 on Tuesday confirmed he would seek a second Australian Open crown when the tournament shifts to Royal Sydney in November, "but that was only the start of the good news for the state." Golf Australia has a clause in an eight-year deal with the New South Wales state government "penned last November allowing it to take the event interstate twice within that time frame, triggering speculation the Australian Open would be on the move" in '18. But it is understood "negotiations are advanced for the tournament to stay in Sydney, meaning the Australian Open will call NSW home for the next four years at least." Spieth's arrival later this year will set up a "showdown with world No.1 Jason Day." It is "music to the ears of Australian Open officials who are bracing for bumper galleries when the tournament begins" on Nov. 17. Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said, "There's no doubt he has an impact on gate and in terms of building the golf tournament he's one of those players we can build it around. We've been so fortunate that Adam and Jason have been so strong for Australian golf and Jordan has been incredibly popular" (SMH, 6/21).
